3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[SmallWorld71]

Thanks for the walk down memory lane.We were at WDW several times in the 80's and 20,000 Leagues was a must do for us. Don't remember the Swan Boats either. I do remember the characters just walking around though.

 

[amandaw]

Love the 1983 pictures! They are great!

I definitely remember 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I can close my eyes & it's like it was yesterday....summer 1987, I was 9 years old on my 1st trip & I can clearly see myself sitting on that ride next to my dad looking out the little window. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

Amanda....NC is closer than where you are now?? Really?? That would be a great area, too. And yes...I would like to throw this computer through the window. Just loaded several pictures of the beach to Photobucket and it took FOREVER!!! Not sure if I will be able to get this post done or not!

I've been checking distances to WDW from different areas Ed is applying for jobs. Raleigh is like 10 1/2 hours. Where we live in Louisiana is about 13 hours. Crazy, huh? But, who knows where we're going to be.

Your vacation pictures are very pretty...even if the weather is being a little crazy for y'all. Hope y'all are having a great time!

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks for the walk down memory lane.We were at WDW several times in the 80's and 20,000 Leagues was a must do for us. Don't remember the Swan Boats either. I do remember the characters just walking around though.

There are several rides/attractions I remember that are no longer there...Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Skyway, Legend of the Lion King, etc....but I have NO memory of The Swans Apparently it was pretty unimpressive If the characters just walked around now, they would get mobbed People would probably go nuts!...including myself

Love the 1983 pictures! They are great!

I definitely remember 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I can close my eyes & it's like it was yesterday....summer 1987, I was 9 years old on my 1st trip & I can clearly see myself sitting on that ride next to my dad looking out the little window. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

I've been checking distances to WDW from different areas Ed is applying for jobs. Raleigh is like 10 1/2 hours. Where we live in Louisiana is about 13 hours. Crazy, huh? But, who knows where we're going to be.

Your vacation pictures are very pretty...even if the weather is being a little crazy for y'all. Hope y'all are having a great time!

20,000 Leagues was pretty cheesy! Even as a kid, I remember thinking those fish looked rather silly, and incredibly fake, but I still liked it...it was just kind of 'Disney'. I'm still rather surprised that they ditched Mr. Toad's Wild Ride...not sure what happened there. I'll have to Google that and see....

Off to bed I go...I'm tired...but not sure why??!! We've done nothing today but relax

 

[chattadisser]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the "vintage" photos, I remember 20,000 leagues so well. I can still picture it when we walk by where it used to be. I guess that might be harder to do once the Fantasyland expansion is completed. I tried to explain to my husband that this concept of waiting to meet characters is relatively new and that I remember as a kid feeling really lucky of you ever saw a character randomly walking around the park. My kids would never understand!

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

 

[emma212010]

What a great meal!! And a fun flash from the past!!!

 

[RGirl]

LOVE the blast from the past!!!!

If you go to the DVC thread, there is a name of a broker that deals with DVC points....David's Disney Vacation Rentals. You can plug in the times you want, etc. and it will give you a price. You don't actually deal with the person that owns the DVC...from what I've read, you don't have to worry about your ressie being legit.

When you go back in 2014, the New Fantasy Land will be complete!!

Great tip! Thank you!!! Maybe we can stay DVC again in 2014. I wonder how many resort ideas I will manage to run through by then......

So excited for the expansion. It is going to be beyond difficult not to make a trip in 2013........

 

[hstrickland]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the "vintage" photos, I remember 20,000 leagues so well. I can still picture it when we walk by where it used to be. I guess that might be harder to do once the Fantasyland expansion is completed. I tried to explain to my husband that this concept of waiting to meet characters is relatively new and that I remember as a kid feeling really lucky of you ever saw a character randomly walking around the park. My kids would never understand!

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

You're so right! Our kids wouldn't have a clue!! Unfortunately, it's a thing of the past. There are even pictures during the 70's of the characters walking around the resorts, at the pool....kinda sad that doesn't happen anymore. But, I do understand why it doesn't....way too many people visiting. Our good friend has a part time job at WDW...his title..."character secruity"! I crack up laughing each time he tells us this....guess it's needed, though.

What a great meal!! And a fun flash from the past!!!

Hey there! Hope all is well with you! Tell your mom hello! I'm sure she's planning her next trip to WDW

LOVE the blast from the past!!!!

Great tip! Thank you!!! Maybe we can stay DVC again in 2014. I wonder how many resort ideas I will manage to run through by then......

So excited for the expansion. It is going to be beyond difficult not to make a trip in 2013........

It's actually kind of cool to plug in numbers and see how much it cost for the villas. The only thing....if WDW offers 35% off discounts, then you save more doing that. However...ya never know if you can get the actual discount or not. Guess it's kind of a gamble. And if I'm not mistaken, I think it might be a bit hard to change (somebody correct me if I'm wrong).

Well...you could always stay Value or Mod...save some money...then go back in 2013

 

[sjs314]

Hey Heather

Enjoyed seeing your pics from 1983. We first visited WDW in '89, I think the big trees in front of the castle might have been just a memory by then. I remember 20,000 Leagues Fondly, glad we got to expierence it.

No pics of the skyway to tomorrowland? Another one that I miss.

You hit upon one of my pet peeves about the WDW of now............the Characters and how now you go and stand in line at meet and greets. It was so very magical to be walking around MK and spot one of the characters, I know on our first trip we never did see or find Mickey, but we did find Minnie twice , pluto and chip and dale and I almost think we were more thrilled than nowadays when it is so planned and no longer spontaneous.

Thanks for shareing your pics!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi Heather!

LOVE the vintage pics - I must have been there that year as well (my one and only childhood trip to the MK - for the day only!!! We did a one day to EPCOT when I was in high school). Great job!

Citricos just looks so yummy! I am really craving a trip with just girls or just my husband so I can get to all of the Signature restaurants and enjoy all of that food, at a relaxing pace! I have 1 Dis friend in town here that would really tolerate the Diser touring pace that you and I and the other Disers like.

I hope the small craft advisory is done today so your DH can go fishing! The pictures are pretty, but I know that sea breeze can be tough! I'm thinking you are there until tomorrow?

I sent you a few PM's.

AmandaW - thinking of you, keep us updated on the job hunt - I would flip for you if he got a Disney job!

Have a good day all! 80 degrees in MI!!!
Erin

 

[amandaw]

AmandaW - thinking of you, keep us updated on the job hunt - I would flip for you if he got a Disney job!

Erin

Thank you so much, Erin! We're praying the hunt won't take too long & that something really great will come his way soon.

 

[Yellowbellow]

Heather, those 1983 photos were either made with my Agfa 35mm viewfinder camera, circa 1956, or with mom's Vivitar point & shoot. Neither had a Telephoto Lense. I did not get a telephoto linse until 1985 when I bought the Cannon A-1. BTW I still have both, the Cannon and the Agfa, the Agfa was given to me by my dad when he bought his Cannon AE-1.

Tube socks - can't remember if I wore them to WDW or not. I ceertainly remember havong some. The hair styles - HUM - If I remember you thought you were soooooooo in style.

Another thought - Poppy. my dad, was responsible for me enjoying photography so much and I an please some of it has rubbed off on one of our daughters.

 

[RGirl]

It's actually kind of cool to plug in numbers and see how much it cost for the villas. The only thing....if WDW offers 35% off discounts, then you save more doing that. However...ya never know if you can get the actual discount or not. Guess it's kind of a gamble. And if I'm not mistaken, I think it might be a bit hard to change (somebody correct me if I'm wrong).

Well...you could always stay Value or Mod...save some money...then go back in 2013

2013 is going to be interesting. We have DLR and DCL in 2012, so obviously, I can't justify WDW too. So why am I not planning on WDW in 2013? I'm not sure. I think it is fear of the unknown - Willow will start kindergarten in 2012, and I think I am intimidated by the idea of planning trips around school schedules and/or pulling her out of school. I'm afraid of the crowds during school breaks! That's crazy because I'm kind of stuck with that from now on! I think our first trip was so magical that I'm afraid I won't be able to plan as great a trip during another time of year. Hmm, thank you for letting me pscho-analyze myself on your TR. Maybe we will be going in 2013 - I just need to work a little more to figure out the best time given school vacations.

I am going to go out on a limb here and bet that you can give me some advice as you have obviously made the transition.

 

[hstrickland]

Hey Heather

Enjoyed seeing your pics from 1983. We first visited WDW in '89, I think the big trees in front of the castle might have been just a memory by then. I remember 20,000 Leagues Fondly, glad we got to expierence it.

No pics of the skyway to tomorrowland? Another one that I miss.

You hit upon one of my pet peeves about the WDW of now............the Characters and how now you go and stand in line at meet and greets. It was so very magical to be walking around MK and spot one of the characters, I know on our first trip we never did see or find Mickey, but we did find Minnie twice , pluto and chip and dale and I almost think we were more thrilled than nowadays when it is so planned and no longer spontaneous.

Thanks for shareing your pics!

Not sure why Disney allowed those trees to block the view of the castle...kind of strange And no....don't have a picture of Skyway Every time I walk by the old entrance of Skyway, it brings back old memories. Last year at MNSSHP they put Cinderella's Carriage in that area for pictures.

You're certainly right, too, about the 'magic' of the characters that use to walk around....not as magical anymore....too planned now that you have to stand in line. At least we have those memories, right!?

Hi Heather!

LOVE the vintage pics - I must have been there that year as well (my one and only childhood trip to the MK - for the day only!!! We did a one day to EPCOT when I was in high school). Great job!

Citricos just looks so yummy! I am really craving a trip with just girls or just my husband so I can get to all of the Signature restaurants and enjoy all of that food, at a relaxing pace! I have 1 Dis friend in town here that would really tolerate the Diser touring pace that you and I and the other Disers like.

I hope the small craft advisory is done today so your DH can go fishing! The pictures are pretty, but I know that sea breeze can be tough! I'm thinking you are there until tomorrow?

I sent you a few PM's.

AmandaW - thinking of you, keep us updated on the job hunt - I would flip for you if he got a Disney job!

Have a good day all! 80 degrees in MI!!!
Erin

"Diser Touring Pace".... I like it....never heard it called that, but how true it is! DH has become really spoiled with the signature restaurants, so at night that's what he wants to do. We looked at the regular DDP, but wouldn't work for us. And I'll admit, too...I like the signatures at night

Ok...the weather in New Smyrna is not good! Last night the waves were 12-15feet. It was pretty cool to watch from the balcony. I've been to FL many times, but never seen that. Bill and Stephen have been down to Mosquito Lagoon and did a little wade fishing...in fact that's where they are now....the boat has been parked in the same place since Thrusday We did go and see an awesome movie yesterday...Real Steel!!! Leaving tomorrow....might go over to Kennedy Space Center today.

Wish you would send some pretty weather our way!!

Heather, those 1983 photos were either made with my Agfa 35mm viewfinder camera, circa 1956, or with mom's Vivitar point & shoot. Neither had a Telephoto Lense. I did not get a telephoto lense until 1985 when I bought the Cannon A-1. BTW I still have both, the Cannon and the Agfa, the Agfa was given to me by my dad when he bought his Cannon AE-1.

Tube socks - can't remember if I wore them to WDW or not. I certainly remember having some. The hair styles - HUM - If I remember you thought you were soooooooo in style.

Another thought - Poppy, my dad, was responsible for me enjoying photography so much and I am pleased some of it has rubbed off on one of our daughters.

Dad, you DID NOT wear tube socks to Disney! I would have remembered...trust me. And I'm guessing y'all used the point-n-shoot to make pictures. In fact, I'm pretty sure. The second time we went is when you bought the Mickey Camera strap, right...because you had the new camera.

And let's remember who gets the Vintage Mickey Camera strap.....ME!!! And Stephanie....before the cruise....GET A CAMERA!!!

2013 is going to be interesting. We have DLR and DCL in 2012, so obviously, I can't justify WDW too. So why am I not planning on WDW in 2013? I'm not sure. I think it is fear of the unknown - Willow will start kindergarten in 2012, and I think I am intimidated by the idea of planning trips around school schedules and/or pulling her out of school. I'm afraid of the crowds during school breaks! That's crazy because I'm kind of stuck with that from now on! I think our first trip was so magical that I'm afraid I won't be able to plan as great a trip during another time of year. Hmm, thank you for letting me pscho-analyze myself on your TR. Maybe we will be going in 2013 - I just need to work a little more to figure out the best time given school vacations.

I am going to go out on a limb here and bet that you can give me some advice as you have obviously made the transition.

Me?....give Disney advice...Why would you ever think that? Seriously, it is completely doable when the kids are in school. You just have to do some major planning. Are the crowds worse....unfortunately, yes, but that wouldn't keep me from going. If you get there super early and leave after lunch, it's fine. Fall Break is a good time to go...there are lots of people but it's not hot, so much more tolerable. You'll find the right time...and the older she gets, the longer Willow will be able to stay up at night, so you can do the later hours. DS10 is now really liking the late hours at MK! I feel quite sure that you will come up with a plan

 

[Terkina]

It was great looking at your old photos
I can remember that in early December in 1990 the characters going freely around in the Magic Kingdom and singing autographbooks. No lines only some children gathering around the characters to get their photo and autograph.

 

[hstrickland]

It was great looking at your old photos
I can remember that in early December in 1990 the characters going freely around in the Magic Kingdom and singing autographbooks. No lines only some children gathering around the characters to get their photo and autograph.

How times have changed!! I also remember WDW being less crowded, too, during the summer months....one July when we were there, we rode Thunder Mountain 10 times in a row...my sister can verify that story It was also just 4 of us kids together. Can't believe the parents allowed us to venture off like that by ourselves Like I said...times have changed

 

[RGirl]

Me?....give Disney advice...Why would you ever think that? Seriously, it is completely doable when the kids are in school. You just have to do some major planning. Are the crowds worse....unfortunately, yes, but that wouldn't keep me from going. If you get there super early and leave after lunch, it's fine. Fall Break is a good time to go...there are lots of people but it's not hot, so much more tolerable. You'll find the right time...and the older she gets, the longer Willow will be able to stay up at night, so you can do the later hours. DS10 is now really liking the late hours at MK! I feel quite sure that you will come up with a plan

I am sure you are right! I will just need to adjust to the school schedule. I don't even know if they do a Fall break here. I was toying with the idea of going immediately after school gets out for the summer - some schools may still be in, maybe most people wait to leave for a vacation(?), and we could take two weeks then without having to miss school. I will have to do some crowd calendar research.

BTW, have you seen my ticker lately???????

 

[hstrickland]

I am sure you are right! I will just need to adjust to the school schedule. I don't even know if they do a Fall break here. I was toying with the idea of going immediately after school gets out for the summer - some schools may still be in, maybe most people wait to leave for a vacation(?), and we could take two weeks then without having to miss school. I will have to do some crowd calendar research.

BTW, have you seen my ticker lately???????

YES!!!! I meant to comment on your ticker yesterday! Are y'all totally excited or what? Does Willow realize that you're getting ready to leave so soon? We're getting ready to leave FL this morning. Apparently, WDW was having really bad weather, too. Glad I wasn't there! Hopefully you will have fabulous weather

 

[pas130]

I LOVED the pics My only trip as a kiddo was in 1984 I think with my mom. We stayed at ASSp (I think) it was a 4 day trip. Although no pictures But I definitely remember 20,000 leagues. I really liked it!

As for DH and my RCs...he doesn't even ask anymore. But I've worked/slept all weekend, and I'm back to work in 1 hour soooo...I've stayed out of trouble for now

 

[RGirl]

YES!!!! I meant to comment on your ticker yesterday! Are y'all totally excited or what? Does Willow realize that you're getting ready to leave so soon? We're getting ready to leave FL this morning. Apparently, WDW was having really bad weather, too. Glad I wasn't there! Hopefully you will have fabulous weather

Yes, we are very excited!!! Unfortunately, Willow's behavior the last couple of days has been so bad that tonight she lost all of her countdown presents and her calendar until she gets it together. Not good! I'm thinking/hoping that it is just fall-out from me having to go out of town late last week. I don't want her to miss out on all the princess dresses she is supposed to get as part of the countdown!

I have a friend who just got home from WDW last night. It poured their whole stay. They even ended upcoming back a day early. I am watching the weather predictions like a hawk. Our weather was beyond perfect last year, so we were totally spoiled. Yikes!!!

I hope you had a good trip home!

 

[Leslieann1024]

My husband, who is 6'3", weighing in at 255 lbs., was chosen to be the "pink fairy" at the end of the show the last time we went to the HDDR ! Talk about a photo opportunity ! We do the HDDR every time we go, it's corny but fun !